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Can We Change Subjects in Class 12 CBSE: Complete Rules and Process Explained!

Written ByAnkita Singha
Calander
Last Updated on21 Nov, 2025
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For students of Class 12 th, subject change is an overwhelming choice. It can impact the board examination and career of a student. 

As a Central Board of Secondary Education student, one needs to follow some strict rules, deadlines and procedures while changing subjects in Class 12 CBSE. 

Let’s understand everything clearly from step-by-step process, list required documents, and highlight common mistakes to avoid.

Can We Change Subjects in Class 12 CBSE?

Yes, you can change a subject in Class 12 CBSE, but it must be done before a deadline. As per the CBSE Affiliation, Bye-laws, the academic session runs from April to March. Since Class 11 and Class 12 are treated as two-year courses, students should choose subjects in Class 11 that they intend to continue in Class 12. 

As per the revised rule, any kind of request related to change subjects in Class 12 must be submitted before: 

  • July 15: Standard/permanent CBSE rule
  • August 31, 2025: Special deadline for 2025-26 session only

CBSE Rules and Conditions for Subject Change in Class 12

Understanding the key rules and conditions of subject change in CBSE Class 12: 

1. Application Deadline

There is a timeline fixed by CBSE for subject change requests for that academic session. Students must submit on time to avoid any problem. 

Remember, after the LOC submission deadline, subject changes are mostly not allowed except in exceptional circumstances. 

2. Reason for Subject Change

CBSE expects valid reasons for subject change and supporting documents on time to complete the procedure smoothly. 

3. No Unilateral Changes Post-Class XI Pass

The Examination Bye-laws state that a candidate shall not offer a subject in Class 12 which he/she has not studied and passed in Class 11, except as permitted under specified rules. 

Also some rules restrict changes after certain cut-off dates. Schools must therefore check eligibility (prerequisite subjects) before initiating a change.

4. Documentation

Proper documents with application must be submitted to proceed the subject change on time. 

5. Process after submission

Schools submit the request to the CBSE Regional Office to check and confirm. 

Step-by-Step Process to Change Subject in Class 12 CBSE

1. Visit School Authorities 

To change the subject in Class 12 CBSE, students must visit school authorities because schools compile all the information and forward the request to the CBSE Regional Office

2. Submit a Written Application 

Write a formal application to the principal. It should include name, class, section and other requirements like valid reason to change the subject

3. Attach Supporting Documents

Attach supporting documents such as transfer or medical reason, attach the transfer certificate, medical certificate, etc with the application. 

4. School Forwards Request to CBSE Regional Office

Later, the school forwards the request to CBSE Regional Office and waits to get final approval.

5. Wait for Confirmation

Wait for confirmation from the Regional Office and regularly check approval or rejection. 

Once approved, the school updates the student’s record and ensures correct entry in the LOC and registration data

Remember, after LOC change is mostly not accepted except transfer cases. 

Required Documents to Change Subjects in Class 12 CBSE

Some important documents students required to change subjects in Class 12 CBSE: 

  1. Application letter from student/parent.
  2. Class 11 report card.
  3. School principal’s recommendation.
  4. Identity and registration proof.
  5. Medical certificate/transfer certificate. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid while Subjects Change in Class 12 CBSE

Common mistakes learners made while changing subjects in Class 12 CBSE includes: 

1. Waiting too Long to Apply.

Waiting too long to apply for subject change in Class 12 CBSE students lacks the deadline which leads to rejection by authority. 

After submission of LOC late requests are rarely accepted by authority. Students must seek the timeline online on the CBSE official website. 

2. Ignoring CBSE Subject Combination Rules

Students who ignore CBSE subject combination rules lead to rejection. Students must check prerequisites with the school first. 

3. Not Having Valid Reasons or Supporting Documents.

Students who don’t have valid reasons or supporting documents like transfer or medical certificate then change in subjects can be refused. 

Conclusion

Changing subjects is a big decision but students have a chance to change subjects in Class 12 under CBSE, but it requires the correct process and within a deadline. 

To do so, schools and the regional office play a crucial role by accepting requests, checking applications & each document to give approval. 

It is important to note here that once LOC is submitted, subject position cannot be changed, and no new subjects can be added.
To know more, start with CBSE’s “Change of Subject” page and the Examination Bye-laws. The schools should also provide CBSE annexures and the exact SOP they follow.

FAQs

As per CBSE rules, students cannot add any new/additional subject in Class 12 that they didn’t study in Class 11.

No, significant subject changes are generally not allowed after a student’s data is finalised and submitted in the List of Candidates (LOC) to the CBSE. 

Yes, a CBSE student can reappear in class 12th from NIOS with changed subjects. 

The NIOS is a recognised board providing the opportunity to select the required subjects as per future needs.

Yes, there is a deadline notified by officials for subject change request submission for CBSE class 12th. 

Learners can submit the subject change request application to their school as of July 15: Standard/permanent CBSE rule and August 31, 2025: Special deadline for 2025-26 session only.

For CBSE Class 12th Students, there are a few possible situations to change from science to commerce such as: 

  • Before Class 12 session starts: Allowed with school approval & seat availability. 
  • After CBSE registration: Not allowed. 
  • After Class 12 exams: Students can shift from science to commerce in college. 

Students can change a subject in grade 12. Quick steps to change a subject includes: 

  • Apply to the school. 
  • Submit required documents. 
  • Check board-specific rules. 
  • One must wait for school and board approval. 
  • Inquire with the school for confirmation.

For the 2025 application, the deadline to submit a subject change request to the school was July 15 as per Standard/permanent CBSE rule and August 31, 2025: Special deadline for 2025-26 session only.

Ankita Singha

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I, Ankita Singha is a passionate content writer at 21kschool with 1.5 years of experience in crafting engaging digital content in different domains. With a talent for storytelling and visual expression, I blend creativity and strategy seamlessly. Outside of work, I enjoy crafting new things, calligraphy, and dancing.

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